Overview & Reviews

Owned by General Motors, Buick is one of this country's oldest brands, with a rich tradition of innovation that dates back more than a century. Though long known for catering to retirement-age customers with its full-size sedans, the automaker's lineup now includes SUVs and sport sedans designed to bring younger buyers into the showrooms of Buick dealers.

The company was founded in 1903 by David Dunbar Buick, a Scottish industrialist. He built his first car in 1904; called the Model B, it had a two-cylinder engine with an advanced-for-its-time overhead-valve cylinder head design. In 1907, Buick unveiled its first four-cylinder production car, dubbed the Model D. The following year, the Flint, Michigan-based Buick Motor Company was bought by William C. Durant as part of a new company called General Motors. By 1914, all Buicks were built with six-cylinder engines and purchased primarily by upper-class professionals, thus earning the nickname "doctor's cars."

The manufacturer proved itself a trailblazer in the early 1920s when it introduced four-wheel brakes. This technology had been seen before on custom-built cars, but Buick was the first to figure out how to successfully apply it to mass-produced vehicles. Eight-cylinder Buick cars emerged in the 1930s and became immensely popular; these advanced engines received steady improvements for several years. The '30s also saw Buick's introduction of the industry's first rear turn signal to use a flasher.

Models such as the Estate Wagon and the ever-popular Roadmaster kept Buicks happily ensconced in driveways all across the nation in the 1940s. In 1948, Buick introduced Dynaflow, the first torque converter-type automatic transmission offered in U.S. passenger cars. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed Buick continuing to zoom ahead of the curve; it was among the first to offer vehicles with power brakes and steering, and 12-volt electrical systems. The marque was also behind the introduction of the first American V6 passenger car engine and introduced the Riviera personal luxury coupe in the early '60s.

On the whole, though, Buick had made its name as a manufacturer of stately land yachts such as the Electra 225. To meet the changing times, the automaker downsized its full- and midsize models during the 1970s and began offering compact and midsize sedans for the 1980s. During the latter period and into the '90s, Buick changed things up by introducing the Regal Grand National muscle car and Reatta luxury coupe and convertible. But its core product continued to be luxury sedans aimed at an older audience.

Today, Buick specializes in sedans and crossover SUVs and is modifying its philosophy in the hopes of attracting younger buyers. Luxury and class are still common themes, but newer models have European influences in their handling and ride dynamics. As such, many modern Buicks, such as the compact Verano sedan provide a more entertaining drive and more contemporary styling than people might expect from this "old" nameplate.

User Reviews:

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  COMFORT FOR SENIORS - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By Twila D - October 9 - 2:00 am

  In july. 2000, i had a total knee replacement. I found it difficult to enter &/or exit most vehicles including my Buick Le Sabre. Riding with my daughter, in her Pontiac Aztec, made me realize that stepping up with a "grab handle" then "sliding out & down", with a handle, was SO much easier on my knee. I would recommend the Rendezvous for anyone who has had joint replacement! The trunk is easy to access with its big door that opens way up, & makes it easy to carry things.

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  traveler - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By RoyL717 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  took a 5000 mile round trip ..... Ill to N Dak , Glacier, Idaho , Tetons, Yellowstone, Rushmore , Iowa .. The car was great ... roomy, comfortable, practical. On-star and sat radio are great features.

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  Reliable, Strong and Fast Car - 1999 Buick Regal
  By Johnny T. - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very reliable and has a strong engine. Its ride is comfortable and controlled however it is not a sports car and should not be expected to handle like a Porche or a Corvette. Make sure you have the fire hazzard GM recall #99033 work done on your car to prevent a short that can melt a plastic fuel hose and cause and underhood fire. The Dealer will do this and all recalls free. There are two other recalls relating to the headlamps GM recall #99093 and a new recall that came out 9/04 GM recall #04052 all of the work is free just go to the Buick dealer with these recall numbers and make an appointment. They may have to order the parts but its free and important to these recalls.

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  20004 Rendezvous CXL - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By jwilder185 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is easy to drive and has excellent front and side visibility, so- so veiw to the rear. The 3.4L engine will not win races but it provides adequate power and respectable fuel economy. Entering and exiting the vehicle is easy and it provides a comfortable seating. It is extemely quiet, (except at full throttle)and it provides comfortable seating with sufficinet leg and headroom. The Navigation system is pretty easy to learn, the sound sytem is good. It is a good vehicle to consider if you are in the market.

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  Lots of car for the price bought 03/05 - 2005 Buick Century
  By baveux - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my commuting car. 95% of highway miles. Very comfortable, quiet, good on gas and very reliable.

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  Good car - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By carfan101 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for one year and I really like it. It needs more power and better fuel economey. I would reccomend it. I really like all the storage it makes it very easy to travel in. The third row seat is a big plus.

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  A Good Reliable Car - 2005 Buick LeSabre
  By LDK - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had 4 LeSabres one of which was totalled while I only got a minor cut. The front wheel drive makes it a really good car to drive in bad conditions. It also can hold 6 people which is a plus at times.

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  Good Quality - 2005 Buick Century
  By peepska - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Not the most fun, nor most exciting, nor hottest, but a very good all-around vehicle. Dependable.

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  Lap of luxury - 2005 Buick Rainier
  By asoftwind37 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love the handling of this SUV. Ive only owned it over a month but Ive already put over 1500 miles on it. The easy exit seat button is great especially when you have packages that you just grab off the seat next to you, you dont have to fight around the steering wheel to get them by it. Both of my boys are over six foot tall and when we were trying out SUVs, head room and leg room was a huge factor. They picked this one as the the most comfortable back seat of all.

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  Quiet, Solid, Spacious - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By J.R. Kent - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Our Rendezvous CX-Plus all-wheel-drive has very low levels of road and engine noise and is incredibly smooth -- a merciful reprieve from our noisy 2001 Accord EX. Interior is well thought-out and a nice place to be. Seats are the most comfortable Ive ever experienced over long distances. Interior is multi- configurable, has lots of space and a flat floor. Handling is secure. Suspension damping could be about 5- percent stiffer to cope with large road undulations at highway speeds. Gas mileage on a recent 900-mile road trip was 22 mpg at 75-to-80 mph with air conditioner running.